Sinner's Prayer
Ray Charles Lyrics


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Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy on me.
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy on me.
Well if I've done somebody wrong, Lord, have mercy if you please.

I used to have plenty of money, the finest clothes in town,
But bad luck and trouble overtaken me, bound to get me down.
Please have mercy, Lord have mercy on me.
Well if I've done somebody wrong, Lord, have mercy if you please.

Keep on working now, child.
Lord every morning.

Well if I've been a bad boy, baby, I declare I'll change my ways.
I don't want bad luck and trouble to follow me all my days.




Please have mercy, Lord have mercy on me.
Well if I've done somebody wrong, Lord, have mercy if you please.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ray Charles's song "Sinner's Prayer" express the singer's plea for mercy and forgiveness from God. He acknowledges his past mistakes and bad choices, and asks for a chance to make amends and change his ways. The repeated phrases "Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy on me" emphasize the urgency and sincerity of his request.


The first stanza sets the tone for the song by establishing the singer's humility and recognition of his own faults. He admits to having done wrong to someone and asks for forgiveness. The second stanza adds more context to his situation by revealing that he used to be affluent and well-dressed, but has fallen on hard times. The contrast between his past and present circumstances underscores the idea that nobody is immune to hardship and mistakes.


The third stanza is a call to action, urging the listener to keep working and striving for a better future. The repeated phrase "Lord every morning" suggests a daily commitment to self-improvement and spiritual growth. The final stanza is a promise to do better and avoid repeating past mistakes. The singer acknowledges that he doesn't want to be plagued by bad luck and trouble forever, and hopes that his plea for mercy will be granted.


In summary, "Sinner's Prayer" is a powerful spiritual song about redemption and forgiveness. Its lyrics convey a sense of humility, honesty, and perseverance in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy on me.
Please show me grace and compassion, I am in need of your mercy.


Well if I've done somebody wrong, Lord, have mercy if you please.
If I have wronged someone, I am asking for forgiveness.


I used to have plenty of money, the finest clothes in town, But bad luck and trouble overtaken me, bound to get me down.
I was fortunate in the past, but now I am experiencing hardship and misfortune.


Keep on working now, child.
Keep fighting and persevering, even when times are tough.


Lord every morning.
I am praying for guidance and strength every day.


Well if I've been a bad boy, baby, I declare I'll change my ways.
If I have exhibited negative behavior, I am committing to reforming myself.


I don't want bad luck and trouble to follow me all my days.
I do not want to be plagued by misfortune and problems forever.




Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LLOYD C. GLENN, LLOYD C., SR. GLENN, LOWELL FULSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@theseweatheredfeathers1902

🩷God bless you all🩷
Lord have mercy, Lord please have mercy on me
Hey Lord please have mercy, Lord please have mercy on me
Well if I've done somebody wrong
Lord please have mercy if you please

You know B.B. (yeah)
I used to have plenty of money yeah, finest clothes in town
Bad luck and trouble overtaken me, bound to get me down
Oh have mercy please, please have mercy on me, yeah
Well if I've done somebody wrong
Lord won't you have mercy if you please, yeah alright

Well if I've done somebody wrong, I declare I'll change my ways
You know B.B., I don't want bad luck and trouble worry me all my days
Oh Lord have mercy please, Lord have mercy on me
Please don't, please don't
Well if I've done somebody wrong (yeah)
Have mercy if you please, oh Lord



All comments from YouTube:

@theseweatheredfeathers1902

🩷God bless you all🩷
Lord have mercy, Lord please have mercy on me
Hey Lord please have mercy, Lord please have mercy on me
Well if I've done somebody wrong
Lord please have mercy if you please

You know B.B. (yeah)
I used to have plenty of money yeah, finest clothes in town
Bad luck and trouble overtaken me, bound to get me down
Oh have mercy please, please have mercy on me, yeah
Well if I've done somebody wrong
Lord won't you have mercy if you please, yeah alright

Well if I've done somebody wrong, I declare I'll change my ways
You know B.B., I don't want bad luck and trouble worry me all my days
Oh Lord have mercy please, Lord have mercy on me
Please don't, please don't
Well if I've done somebody wrong (yeah)
Have mercy if you please, oh Lord

@bebewilliams

Ray Charles and b.bking you guys are legend your voice is amazing

@iankamuri9090

This is the BEST collaboration in music, period!

@RobEJC

Monsters DO exist - here are two monsters of American music - Lord have MERCY!

@Kevothadabber

BB king πŸ‘‘ ray charles I may only be 18 but these two are the kings of American music🀘πŸ’ͺ🏼

@charleschapman473

Ray Charles..B.B. King...NUFF SAID!!

@dianeanthony1381

Ray's music opens and touches the heart and allows the feeling of love to be felt .and as it flows it makes one moves and connect with that sound.

@totsie2891

True legends Just remarkable, the playing and vocals, just feel the vibe and get into the groove.

@nathalielepeltier1243

πŸ˜‚β€β€β€β€β€β€

@nathalielepeltier1243

β€πŸ˜‚

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